Power train controller and associated memory device

ABSTRACT

A power train subsystem for a motorized vehicle and methods of programming such power train controllers of the power train subsystem are disclosed. The power train subsystem may include a power train component, a controller, and a memory device. The controller may be coupled to the power train component to control operation of the power train component. The memory device may include boot code, application software, standard calibration parameters, and custom calibration parameters. The boot code provides an environment upon which the application software executes per the standard calibration parameters and custom calibration parameters. The standard calibration provides parameters which configure the controller for a range of vehicular applications. The custom calibration parameters provide parameters which configure the controller for a particular vehicular application in the range of vehicular applications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/144,243 entitled “POWER TRAIN CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED MEMORYDEVICE,” which was filed on Jan. 7, 2010 and which claims priority toand the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/144,179, which was filed on Jan. 13, 2009. The entireties of thoseapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle subsystems such as, for example, transmissions, engines, andbraking systems use individual control modules to control each of thesubsystems and provide communication between such subsystems. Controlmodules are delivered to customers (e.g. vehicle manufacturers, servicetechnicians, etc.) as single, self-contained, fully programmed unitsmost often separate from the hardware to be controlled. Additionally,the control modules are often remotely located from the hardware to becontrolled. These self-contained control modules permit the assembly ofthe vehicle to proceed independent of the final unique moduleconfiguration.

However, the industry appears to be moving toward integrating fullyprogrammed control modules into the hardware to be controlled, thuscreating a complete subsystem ready for direct assembly into a vehicle.A consequence of such vehicle subsystems is that a vendor may need tomaintain or otherwise address potentially thousands of possible variantsor calibrations of the subsystem due to the number of differentconfigurations in which the subsystem may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity andclarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elementsmay be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further,where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of power train subsystem having a power traincontroller and associated memory device.

FIGS. 2-5 show embodiments of vehicles having one or more power trainsubsystems with associated memory device(s).

FIG. 6 shows a memory device coupled to a power train controller via awiring harness.

FIG. 7 shows a memory device coupled to a power train controller via ashift selector of the vehicle.

FIG. 8 shows a memory device coupled to a power train controller via afuse block of the vehicle.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a method of programming a power traincontroller for a particular vehicular application.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a method of programming a powertrain controller for a particular vehicular application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment describedmay include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, butevery embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a power train subsystem 100 is shown. The powertrain subsystem 100 may include a power train component 110, a powertrain controller 120 and associated memory device 130. The power traincomponent 110 may include components of a motor vehicle used to generatepower and/or transfer power to a drive assembly of the motorizedvehicle. In particular, the power train component 110 may include anengine, transmission, transfer box, torque converter, and/or gear box.

The power train controller 110 may be coupled to the power traincomponent 120 to control the power train component 120 via one or morecontrol signals. The power train controller 110 may be further coupledto one or more sensors 135 in order to receive signals indicative of theoperation of the power train component 120. Depending on the nature ofthe power train component 120, some or all of the sensors 135 may beintegrated with the power train component 120 and/or some or all of thesensors 135 may be distributed throughout a vehicle in which the powertrain component 120 resides.

As shown in FIG. 1, the memory device 130 may be coupled to the powertrain controller 120. The memory device 120 may include boot code 132,application software 134, standard calibration parameters 136, andcustom calibration parameters 138. The boot code 132 may include anoperating system, drivers and other code which the power traincontroller 120 (e.g. ECU 240 or TCM 250) may execute in response tobeing powered up. The boot code 132 may provide an execution environmentupon which the application software 134 may execute. The applicationsoftware 134 may provide commands for controlling a class or range ofpower train components. For example, the application software 134 mayprovide commands for controlling one or more transmission models and/orone or more engine models. In response to executing the applicationsoftware 134, the power train controller 120 may control the operationof the power train component based upon signals from sensors 135. Inparticular, the power train controller 120 in response to executingcommands of the application software 134 may control the power traincomponent 110 in accordance with standard calibration parameters 136 andcustom calibration parameters 138.

In one embodiment, the power train controller 110 and the power traincomponent 120 may be utilized in a wide variety of applications. Thestandard calibration parameters 136 provide various calibration data,constants, etc. which remain the same regardless of the application inwhich the power train controller 110 and power train component 120 areused. The custom calibration parameters 138 however provide variouscalibration data, constants, etc. which vary depending upon theapplication in which the power train controller 110 and power traincomponent 120 are used. Accordingly, the memory device 130 may beprogrammed to include the boot code 132, application software 134 andstandard calibration parameters 136 to obtain a partially programmedpower train subsystem 100 that may be used in a wide variety ofapplications. Such a partially programmed power train subsystem 100 maybe later programmed with custom calibration parameters 138 to obtain afully programmed power train subsystem 100 once its determined to whichapplication the power train subsystem 100 is destined.

In addition, the memory device 130 may also include general storage 140for the application software 134. In one embodiment, the applicationsoftware 134 may permit the storage and retrieval of customer modifiableconstants (CMC) to and from the general storage 140. A technician,vehicle manufacturer, etc. may use the CMCs to trim the operation of afully programmed engine subassembly 220 and/or a fully programmedtransmission subassembly 230. The application software 134 may storediagnostic codes in response to a detected event. Similarly, theapplication software 134 may store freeze frame data comprising thecapture of multiple operating parameters over a period of time inresponse to a detected event or in response to a request received from atechnician. In one embodiment, the application software 134 may permitthe capture and/or retrieval of data from various components connectedto a vehicle network. The application software 134 may permit retrievalof such saved diagnostic codes, freeze frame data, and/or othercomponent data in order to aid a technician in troubleshooting amalfunction or to aid technician in identifying operatingcharacteristics indicative of a potential malfunction in the future.

The application software 134 may further permit the storage andretrieval of service manuals for one or more components of the vehicle,service records for one or more components of the vehicle, requiredservice tools, wiring diagrams, and an as-built parts list for one ormore components of the vehicle. The service manuals, service records,required service tools, wiring diagrams, and as-built part lists may aida technician in determining which parts are in need of service and whichparts have been serviced in the past. Moreover, such information mayfurther aid the technician in identifying parts of the vehicle whichhave been replaced with parts not in conformance with parts of thevehicle as originally built.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a motor vehicle 200 is shownthat includes the power train subsystem 100 of FIG. 1. In particular,the motor vehicle 200 may include a power train 210, drive assembly 250,and operator interface 260. The power train 210 includes a first powertrain subsystem 220 and a second power train subsystem 230. The firstpower train subsystem 220 includes an engine 222, an engine control unit(ECU) 224, and memory device 226. The ECU 224 may be coupled to theengine 222 to control the engine 222. The ECU 224 may be furtherconnected to various sensors 135 (FIG. 1) of the motor vehicle 200 thatprovide the ECU 224 with various operating conditions associated withoperation of the engine 222.

The second power train subsystem 230 includes a transmission 232,transmission control module (TCM) 234 and memory device 236. The TCM 234may be coupled to the transmission 232 to control the transmission 232.The TCM 234 may be further connected to various sensors 135 (FIG. 1)that provide the TCM 234 with various operating conditions associatedwith operation of the transmission 232.

The transmission 232 may provide a torque-speed conversion from thegenerally higher speed engine 222 to a slower but more forceful outputsuch as the drive assembly 250. The drive assembly 250 may include drivewheels, caterpillar tracks, propels, etc. that impart the motor vehicle200 with locomotion when driven by the engine 222 via the transmission232. As shown, the engine 222 is coupled to an input shaft 242 of thetransmission 232 to provide power to the transmission 232. An outputshaft 244 of the transmission 232 is coupled to the drive assembly 250to provide power to the drive assembly 250.

The ECU 224 and TCM 234 may be implemented using analog and/or digitalcircuit components. In one embodiment, the ECU 224 and the TCM 234 eachinclude a processor such as a microcontroller or microprocessor.Furthermore, the ECU 224 and TCM 234 each have one or more associatedmemory devices 226, 236 that store instructions to be respectivelyexecuted by the ECU 224 and the TCM 234. The memory device 226, 236 mayinclude programmable read only memory devices, flash memory device,random access memory devices, and/or other storage devices that storeinstructions to be executed and data to be processed by the ECU 224 andthe TCM 234.

The motor vehicle 200 may further include operator controls 260. Theoperator controls 260 may include various levers, switches, pedals,buttons, wheels, dials, etc. which an operator of the motor vehicle 200may actuate in order to control operation of the motor vehicle 200. Theoperator controls 260 may further include various output devices such asneedles, digital outputs, displays, etc. that the operator may monitorin order to confirm operation of the motor vehicle 200.

The memory device 226 may be partially programmed to include boot code132, application software 134, and standard calibration parameters 136to configure the ECU 224 and engine 222 for a particular range ofapplications. Custom calibration parameters 138 may later be stored inthe memory device 226 to obtain a fully programmed engine subsystem 220which has been customized for a particular application.

For example, in one embodiment, the memory device 226 may be programmedwith standard calibration parameters 136 that define a hardwarecharacterization for the engine subsystem 220 (e.g. define a combustionmodel as a function of boost and fuel injected), that define acommunication datalink infrastructure (e.g. protocols supported, messageformats, etc.), and that define diagnostic and failure modes. The memorydevice 226 may also be programmed with standard calibration parameter136 that define anti-abuse algorithms for the engine subsystem 220, thatdefine fuel to air ratio algorithms, that define emissions controlparameters, that define odometer parameters, and that define sensor andactuator parameters (e.g. calibration of oxygen sensor outputs tomeasurement values).

As for custom calibration parameters 138 for the engine subsystem 220,the memory device 226 may be programmed to include custom calibrationparameters that define torque and horsepower ratings and that definecommunication datalink selections (e.g. protocols selected, devices fromwhich to receive messages, etc.). The memory device 226 may furtherstore custom calibration parameters that enable/disable general purposeinput/output functions (e.g. the cruise control is ON and only activeabove the specified road speed). The memory device 226 may also storecustom calibration parameters that define engine accessory features(e.g. engine brake, road speed governor, idle shutdown, PTO (powertake-off) control, governor type, etc.).

Similarly, the memory device 236 may be partially programmed to includeboot code 132, application software 134, and standard calibrationparameters 136 to configure the TCM 234 and transmission 232 for aparticular range of applications. Custom calibration parameters 138 maylater be stored in the memory device 236 to obtain a fully programmedtransmission subsystem 230 which has been customized for a particularapplication.

For example, in one embodiment, the memory device 236 may be programmedwith standard calibration parameters 136 that define a hardwarecharacterization of the transmission subsystem 230 (e.g. oil flow as afunction of temperature), that define communication datalinkinfrastructure (protocols supported, message formats, etc.), and thatdefine diagnostic and failure modes. The memory device 226 may also beprogrammed with standard calibration parameter 136 for the transmissionsubsystem 230 that define anti-abuse algorithms, that define base valuesof learning parameters (e.g. pressures and volumes), and that definegeneral purpose input/output function design criteria. Standardcalibration parameters 136 may also be stored on the memory device 226that define for the transmission subsystem 230 shift times (e.g. howlong to slip clutches) and that define for the transmission subsystem230 sensor and actuator calibration (e.g. correlating a sensor outputsuch as a voltage to a measured value such as temperature).

As for custom calibration parameters 138 for the transmission subsystem230, the memory device 226 may be programmed to include customcalibration parameters that define shift schedules (e.g. engine speedsat which to upshift) and that define communication datalink selections(e.g. protocols selected, devices from which to receive messages, etc.).The memory device 226 may further store custom calibration parametersthat define general purpose input/output function enables/disables (e.g.output shaft retarder is ON and only active above the specified roadspeed). The memory device 226 may also store custom calibrationparameters 138 that enable/disable integrated vehicle functions (e.g.variable modulated main, cab warm-up mode, vehicle acceleration control,etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a vehicle 300 is shown.The vehicle 300 is similar to the vehicle 200 of FIG. 2. However, in thevehicle 300, the ECU 240 is internal to or otherwise integrated with theengine 310 instead of being external to the engine 210 as shown in thevehicle 200 FIG. 2. Similarly, in the vehicle 300, the TCM 250 isinternal to or otherwise integrated with the transmission 320 instead ofbeing external to the engine 210 as shown in the vehicle 200 of FIG. 2.While the ECU 240 and TCM 250 may be integrated into the respectivepower train components of the vehicle 300, the associated memory devices245, 255 of vehicle 300 are still maintained external to the respectivepower train components to permit easy programming and/or replacement.

Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another embodiment of a vehicle 400 isshown. The vehicle 400 is similar to the vehicle 300 of FIG. 3. However,in the vehicle 400, the memory device 426 associated with the ECU 424 isaffixed to or otherwise integrated with the ECU 424. Furthermore, theECU 424 is internal to or otherwise integrated with the engine 422.Similarly, in the vehicle 400, the memory device 436 associated with theTCM 434 is affixed to or otherwise integrated with the TCM 434. The TCM434 in turn is internal to or otherwise integrated with the transmission432.

FIG. 5 depicts yet another embodiment of a vehicle 500. The vehicle 500is similar to the vehicles 200, 300 and 400 of FIGS. 2-4. However, inthe vehicle 500, the ECU 524 and TCM 534 share a memory device 536instead of each having a separate memory device as shown in FIGS. 2-4.Moreover, the vehicle 500 shows the memory device 536 externally coupledto the ECU 524 and the TCM 534. However, in other embodiments, thememory device 536 may be affixed to or otherwise integrated with eitherthe ECU 524 or the TCM 534 in a manner similar to the vehicle 400 ofFIG. 4. Moreover, the ECU 524 and/or the TCM 534 may be internal to orotherwise integrated with their respective power train component 522,532 in a manner similar to the vehicles 300, 400 of FIGS. 2 and 3.

In the embodiments in which the memory device 130 is not affixed to orotherwise integrated with the power train controller 120 (e.g. vehicles200, 300, and 500), the memory device 130 may be coupled to the powertrain controller 120 using a number of different techniques. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, the memory device 130 may be removablycoupled a connector 610 of a wiring harness 620 which is used tooperatively couple the TCM 334 of the transmission 332 to othercomponents of the vehicle 300 such as the sensors 135 and operatorinterface 260. The memory device 130 may alternatively be removablycoupled to a memory slot or connecter 710 of a shift selector 720 of theoperator interface 260 as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows yet anotherlocation for the memory device 130. As shown, the memory device 130 maybe removably coupled to connector 810 of a fuse block 820 of thevehicle.

Each of FIGS. 6-10 show the memory device 130 removably coupled to aconnector thus permitting the removal of the memory device 130 forprogramming and/or replacement. However, in other embodiments, thememory device 130 may be affixed to the wiring harness 620, shiftselector 720, fuse block 820, and/or other location of the vehicle. Insuch embodiments, the wiring harness 620, shift selector 720, fuse block820, and/or other component of the vehicle may have a connector 630 forreceiving a programming device 640 as shown in FIG. 6. The programmingdevice 640 in one embodiment may program a partially programmed memorydevice 130 (e.g. memory device 130 having stored therein boot code 132,application software 134, and standard calibration parameters 136) withcustom calibration parameters 138 for a particular vehicularapplication. To this end, the programming device 640 in one embodimentmay comprise a self powered portable device which may be simply attachedto connector 630.

The programming device 640 may include a user interface 642 such as abutton or other user input device which may be actuated in order toinitiate programming of the memory device 130. The programming device640 in another embodiment may detect being coupled to the connector 630and may automatically initiate programming of the memory device 130 upondetection. The user interface 642 of programming device 640 may alsoinclude an indicator (e.g. a lamp, LED, LCD, speaker) via which theprogramming device 640 may audibly and/or visually signal completion ofthe programming of the memory device 130. Besides a simple userinterface of a button and an indicator, the programming device 640 mayinstead include a more sophisticated user interface 642 such a display,keypad, etc. via which the programming device 640 may display a progressindicator, via which a technician may select from among several customcalibration parameter sets for use in programming a power trainsubsystem or component thereof, and/or via which a technician may alterindividual custom calibration parameters 138 of a memory device 130.

The above disclosure identified embodiments in which memory devices 130,226, 326, 336, 426, 436, 536 were positioned at various location in thevehicle 100. It should be appreciated other embodiments may place amemory device 130 at positions in the vehicle 100 other than thosepositions identified above. In particular, in one embodiment, the memorydevice 130 may be positioned anywhere in and/or on the vehicle 100 thathas access to a vehicular network (e.g. a CAN network) and the powertrain components coupled to the vehicular network. Similarly, the aboveembodiment of the programming device 640 indicates the programmingdevice 640 is coupled to the memory device 130 via the connector 630 ofthe wiring harness 620. The programming device 640, however, in otherembodiments may be coupled to the memory device 130 via othermechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the programming device 640may be directly connected to the memory device 130 via a connector ofthe memory device 130. In another embodiment, the programming device 640may be coupled to a vehicular network of the vehicle 100 and may programthe memory device 130 via the vehicular network.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a method 900 for programmingpower train controllers 120 such as engine control units 224, 323, 424and transmission control modules 234, 334, 434 is shown. As shown, amanufacturer at block 910 may partially program several power traincontrollers 120 for a class or range of power train components 110. Forexample, a transmission manufacturer may partially program the memorydevice 236 of several transmission control modules 234 with boot code132, application software 134, and standard calibration parameters 136thus configuring the transmission control modules 234 for use with aparticular transmission 232 or class of transmissions 232 that may beused in a range of vehicular applications.

At block 920, the manufacturer may receive a request from a customersuch as a parts distributor, vehicle manufacturer, etc. for a certainnumber of transmission subsystems fully programmed for a particularvehicular application. In response to such a request, the manufacturerat block 930 may retrieve or otherwise define custom calibrationparameters 138 which configure the partially programmed transmissioncontrol modules 234 for the requested vehicular application. Forexample, the transmission manufacturer may maintain a database ofpredefined custom calibration parameters 138 for each supportedvehicular application and therefore need only retrieve the appropriatecustom calibration parameters 138 for the requested vehicularapplication. In another embodiment, the transmission manufacturer maymanually define the custom calibration parameters 138 in order tosatisfy a custom vehicular application specified by the customer.

The manufacturer at block 940 may fully program a number of power traincontrollers 120 which had been previously partially programmed to obtainthe requested number of power train controller 120 which have been fullyprogrammed for the requested vehicular application. In particular, themanufacturer may store the appropriate custom calibration parameters 138for the requested vehicular application in the associated memory device130 for each power train controller 120 being programmed for thecustomer. For example, the transmission manufacturer may store theretrieved or otherwise defined custom calibration parameters 138 in theassociated memory device 236 for each transmission control module 234 inorder to obtain the requested number of fully programmed transmissioncontrol modules 234 for the requested vehicular application.

At block 950, the manufacturer may ship the fully programmed power traincontrollers 120 to the customer. For example, the manufacturer may shipto the customer engine control units 224, 324, 424, 524 and/ortransmission control modules 234, 334, 434, 534 which have been fullyprogrammed for the vehicular application requested by the customer.

The partial programming of block 910 configures the power traincontrollers 120 for a range of applications. Thus, if the manufacturerpartially programs a sufficient number of power train controllers 120 instep 910, the manufacturer may fulfill several customer requests (i.e.steps 920-950) without partially programming additional power traincontrollers 120 even though the requests may span several differentvehicular applications since the power train controllers 120 are notcustomized for a particular vehicular application until fully programmedat block 940. Accordingly, the partially programmed power traincontrollers 120 may ultimate end up with different customers whichrequested power train controllers 120 for different vehicularapplications.

Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a method 1000 forprogramming power train controllers 120 such as engine control units224, 323, 424 and transmission control modules 234, 334, 434 is shown.At block 1010, the manufacturer may receive a request from a customersuch as a parts distributor, vehicle manufacturer, etc. for a certainnumber of power train subsystems which have been partially programmedfor a particular vehicular application. Further, the manufacturer atblock 1030 may ship the requested partially programmed power trainsubsystems to the customer.

A manufacturer at block 1020 may partially program power traincontrollers 120 and/or select from inventory previously programmed powertrain controllers 120 for requested range or class of vehicularapplication. For example, a transmission manufacturer may partiallyprogram the memory device 236 of several transmission control modules234 with boot code 132, application software 134, and standardcalibration parameters 136 thus configuring the transmission controlmodules 234 for use with a particular transmission 232 or class oftransmissions 232 that may used in a range of vehicular applications.

At block 1030, the manufacturer may ship the partially programmed powertrain controllers 120 to the customer. For example, the manufacturer mayship to the customer engine control units 224, 324, 424, 524 and/ortransmission control modules 234, 334, 434, 534 which have beenpartially programmed for the class or range of vehicular applicationsrequested by the customer.

At block 1040, the customer may retrieve or otherwise define customcalibration parameters 138 which configure the partially programmedtransmission control modules 234 for a particular vehicular application.For example, in one embodiment, the customer may maintain separateprogramming devices 645 for each vehicular application. In such a case,the customer may simply select an appropriate programming device 645 forthe vehicular application. In another embodiment, the customer may havea programming device 645 suitable for fully programming power trainsubsystems for a range of vehicular applications. In such a case, thecustomer may select or otherwise define the appropriate customcalibration parameters 138 using an interface of the programming device645.

At block 1050, the customer may program the power train subsystem (e.g.memory devices associated with ECU 224 or TCM 234) with the selectedcustom calibration parameters for the vehicular application. In oneembodiment, the customer may fully program the power train subsystemprior to installing the power train subsystem in a corresponding vehicle200, 300, 400, 500. In another embodiment, the customer may fullyprogram the power train subsystem after the power train subsystem isinstalled in the corresponding vehicle 200, 300, 400, 500.

Similar to the method 900 of FIG. 9, the partial programming of block1020 configures the power train controllers 120 for a range ofapplications. Thus, if the customer orders a sufficient number ofpartially programmed power train controllers 120 in step 1010, thecustomer may use the partially programmed power train controller 120 inseveral vehicular applications (i.e. steps 1040-1050) without orderingfurther partially programming power train controllers 120. The powertrain controllers 120 in one embodiment are not customized for aparticular vehicular application until fully programmed at block 1050.Accordingly, the partially programmed power train controllers 120ordered at block 1010 may ultimate end up in a variety of vehicularapplications.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and descriptionis to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive incharacter, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments havebeen shown and described and that all changes and modifications thatcome within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power train subsystem for a motorized vehicle,comprising: a power train component to drive a drive assembly, acontroller coupled to the power train component to control operation ofthe power train component, and a memory device comprising a boot codeexecuted by the controller to define an operating environment,application software to provide the controller with commands to controlthe power train component, standard calibration parameters whichconfigure the controller and power train component for a range ofvehicular applications, and custom calibration parameters whichconfigure the controller and power train component for a particularvehicular application of the range of vehicular applications.
 2. Thepower train of claim 1, wherein the power train component comprises atransmission to transfer torque from an engine to the drive assembly,and the controller comprises a transmission control module externallycoupled to the transmission to control operation of the transmission. 3.The power train of claim 1, wherein the power train component comprisesa transmission to transfer torque from an engine to the drive assembly,and the controller comprises a transmission control module integratedinto the transmission to control operation of the transmission.
 4. Thepower train of claim 1, wherein, the power train component comprises anengine to deliver torque to the drive assembly transmission, and thecontroller comprises an engine control unit externally coupled to theengine to control operation of the engine.
 5. The power train of claim1, wherein, the power train component comprises an engine to delivertorque to the drive assembly transmission, and the controller comprisesan engine control unit integrated into the engine to control operationof the engine.
 6. The power train of claim 1, wherein the memory devicefurther stores on-board diagnostic codes.
 7. The power train of claim 1,wherein the memory device further stores freeze frame data regardingoperational parameters of one or more components of the motorizedvehicle.
 8. The power train of claim 1, wherein the memory devicefurther stores service manuals for one or more components of themotorized vehicle.
 9. The power train of claim 1, wherein the memorydevice further stores service history for one or more components of themotorized vehicle.
 10. The power train of claim 1, wherein the memorydevice further stores an as-built parts list for one or more componentsof the motorized vehicle.
 11. The power train of claim 1, wherein thememory device is affixed to the controller.
 12. The power train of claim1, wherein the memory device is removably coupled to a connector of thecontroller.
 13. The power train of claim 1, wherein the memory device isremovably coupled to the controller via a wiring harness coupled to thepower train component.
 14. The power train of claim 1, wherein thememory device is removable coupled to the controller via a connectorassociated with a shift selector of the motorized vehicle.
 15. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein the memory device is removable coupled to thecontroller via a connector associated with a fuse block of the motorizedvehicle.
 16. A method of customizing a transmission for a particularvehicular application, comprising programming a transmission controlmodule to obtain a partially programmed control module comprisingstandard calibration parameters that configure the transmission controlmodule and transmission for a range of applications of the transmission,and programming the partially programmed transmission control module toobtain a programmed transmission control module that includes customcalibration parameters that configure the transmission control moduleand the transmission for the particular vehicular application.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising programming the transmissioncontrol module to obtain the partially programmed transmission controlmodule prior to receiving a request for a programmed transmissioncontrol module for the particular vehicular application, and programmingthe partially programmed transmission control module to obtain theprogrammed transmission control module in response to receiving therequest for the programmed transmission control module for theparticular vehicular application.
 18. A method of customizingtransmissions for vehicular applications, comprising programming aplurality of transmission control modules to obtain a plurality ofpartially programmed control modules that each comprise standardcalibration parameters that configure the plurality of transmissioncontrol modules for a range of vehicular applications of a transmission,and providing a customer with a partially programmed transmissioncontrol module of the plurality of partially programmed control modulesto permit the customer to program the partially programmed transmissioncontrol modules for a particular vehicular application of thetransmission.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providinganother customer with another partially programmed transmission controlmodule of the plurality of partially programmed transmission controlmodules to permit the another customer to program the another partiallyprogrammed transmission control module for another vehicular applicationof the transmission.